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Message 2 - D-Day Message

Posted on: 08 May 2004 by John de Mansfield AbsolonResearcher 238443

Eisenhower and Montgomery.
Prior to the landings in Normandy in 1944 both Eisenhower and Montgomery came and spoke to my division the interesting things was the comparison as to what they said.
Montgomery spoke of "hitting them for six" and " we will get ashore and crack about a bit" among other things.
Eisenhower on the other hand spoke mainly of British and American troops settling their differences and fighting together. This, to us was quite amusing as we had not fallen out with the Americans in any way.
You may be interested in Montgomery's method when speaking to our division.
The whole division was formed up in a hollow square with the land sloping upwards to a jeep that was parked on the 4th side of square. The division was in about 20 ranks deep. Monty was late and the whole division was singing "The Red Flag" at the top of their voices as he arrived. Although this worried the divisional commander Monty didn't seem to bother about it. He then ordered the front 10 ranks to turn about and leave a passage down the centre. He then, with his staff walked between the ranks and spoke to a number of soldiers particularly those with the Desert Star. Having done that he climbed onto the bonnet of the jeep and shouted "break ranks" and " gather round", he then said to everybody " sit down". And apart from the previous statements his other quite famous one was "You and I together will see this thing through". When he had finished his speech His convoy of cars took off and we all went back to our units and had lunch.
Apart from walking around and shaking some officers by the hand that is about all I can remember of Eisenhower's visit.
John Absolon 50 Div

Message 3 - D-Day Message

Posted on: 09 May 2004 by Ron Goldstein

Hi John
Loved your tale about Monty and his famous 'man to man' talks.

This is an almost repeat performance of his address to the 78 Div in North Africa just prior to the invasion of Sicily,with yours truly in his audience.
What I do remember very well was the fact that we had assembled quite some time before with much attention to the 'dressing' of our serried ranks.

Along came Monty, 'Break ranks!' said he and in clouds of dust we complied, much to the disgust of those in charge who had spent much effort in getting us all lined up in the first place!

Regards

Ron

Message 4 - D-Day Message

Posted on: 09 May 2004 by A.R.Lewis.(often called David), ex Welsh Guards. C.S.M.

I have original messages a bit delapitated due to poor quality of war time paper.
Another letter headed secret from the supreme commander, to be read to troops by an officer after embarkation,a really pointless messsage about fostering the (Black Market) and increasing the inhabitants difficulties, and respecting their personal rights, and property,etc. Most of the comments in this letter were quite unnecessary.
I remember well Monty,s "Gather wround chaps" a true showman.